Advice from a Liaison Psychiatrist specialising in Older Adults
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NO LONGER RELEVANT AND IS NOT BEING UPDATED BUT HAS BEEN LEFT ON THE SITE FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY
This information is sourced from Dr Jayati Das-Munshi, Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist for Older Adults
Q. What advice would you give to older patients to enable them to go out/prevent social phobia?
A. I’d suggest a ‘graded exposure’ approach:
- Initially accompanied (eg with family or volunteer, unaccompanied) for short (few min) walk (socially distancing)
- Then once they have done this a few times build up to a short walk alone in a well known area
- Aim to take small steps (increasing exposure) every day
If there are issues impacting on mobility (eg. frailty, concerns around falling) then ensure these are also addressed (GP could advise exercises at home if deconditioned etc) as a ‘pre-step’ to going outside. This resource is very good for these populations
